“Ashley, are you really sure about resigning? You’ve been at the company for two years and ever since then, President Mason has become much more human than his former cold self.”

Manager Walker furrowed his brows as he accepted the resignation letter Ashley handed over, puzzled by her decision.

Ashley had worked as Mason’s secretary for two years, but no one knew her real identity. She was Mrs. Bennett.

A week earlier, she had attended a banquet alone and was drugged. She called Mason again and again, but no one answered. Just as her consciousness began to blur, a few janitors passed by and saved her.

That same night, Mason and her sister were caught on a dashcam, tangled together in the backseat of a car.

The moment Ashley saw the footage, it all became clear. Her love was gone. So was the marriage. She decided to leave.

Ashley nodded, her tone firm. “I’ve made up my mind. President Mason will probably be quite pleased to know.”

From the day she married Mason, she had known he didn’t love her. But she had liked him since they were kids. Two years ago, when her father asked if she would marry Mason in her sister’s place, she had agreed without hesitation.

Now, with their second wedding anniversary approaching, she opened the safe, took out the signed divorce agreement and filled in the date, the final gift she prepared for Mason.

To fulfill his love with Georgina.

——

After work, Ashley Patel walked out of the company and saw Mason Bennett’s flashy sports car parked outside. She got in without hesitation.

Inside, the car was filled with pink decorations, sweet scents and baskets of snacks, completely out of sync with Mason’s usual cold and minimalist style.

In the past, Mason’s car was always spotless, scented with a cool, woody fragrance. After they got married, she wasn’t allowed to eat snacks or keep plushies inside. His thin lips would utter just one word: “Dirty.”

Later, Georgina Patel liked snacks, pink and sweet perfumes, so he had the car completely redone to suit her taste.

Mason held the steering wheel with one hand and asked casually, “Why did it take you so long to come out?”

Ashley turned to look at him, the sharp jawline, the handsome features. It was that face that had once captivated her.

She looked away and replied calmly, “Had some things to deal with.”

Mason didn’t seem to notice her indifference. He casually grabbed a bag of cookies from the snack basket and handed it to her.

“Your favorite cookies. I stocked up on them.”

Ashley stared at the cookies but didn’t take them. The corners of her mouth curled into a faint, cold smile.

The one who liked cookies was Georgina. She had always had a narrow esophagus since childhood and choked easily on them.

Two years and Mason still didn’t remember.

He had never truly cared, not enough to recall even the smallest detail.

His slender fingers twitched as he held the cookie bag and his tone turned slightly impatient.

“Why aren’t you taking them?”

Ashley took the bag and placed it back in the basket. Then, she pulled the divorce papers from her purse and prepared to hand them over.

“I’m not hungry. Take a look at this first.”

Just then, his phone rang. The car’s Bluetooth lit up with the caller ID: Georgina.

Mason looked flustered. He quickly pulled over, disconnected the Bluetooth and stepped out to take the call.

The sudden turn threw Ashley to the side. Her head hit the window and a sharp crystal ornament cut her forehead, drawing blood.

Mason didn’t notice. He stayed on the call for over ten minutes, then returned looking anxious.

“There’s an emergency at the company. You take a taxi back.”

Ashley ignored the bleeding and calmly held out the papers again.

“Please look at this first.”

Mason frowned and brushed her hand aside without glancing at them.

“I’m in a hurry. I’ll read it when I get back.”

Ashley looked at him for a moment, then spoke in a quiet, disappointed voice.

“Alright, I’m leaving.”

Watching the taillights fade into the distance, Ashley’s eyes were filled with cold mockery.

If Mason had cared even a little, he would have realized she was handing him a divorce agreement.

Warm blood trickled slowly from the cut on her forehead. The wound still hadn’t stopped bleeding.

Mason had always loved Georgina, her sister. The real daughter of the Patel Family.

Ashley, on the other hand, was just the stand-in. The so-called “fake heiress.”

Twenty-three years ago, Georgina had been mistakenly switched at birth. Ashley grew up as the Patel Family’s daughter until, three years ago, the truth finally came to light.

The family brought Georgina back but didn’t cast Ashley out.

Florence Patel had said, “Ashley, Georgina suffered out there for 23 years. We owe her. From now on, only she will be the Patel Family’s daughter. But you can still stay here.”

Georgina was given everything back. Ashley became the joke. The imposter who had taken what didn’t belong to her.

Later, Mason and Georgina fell in love and got engaged. But before the wedding, Georgina canceled everything to study abroad. Heartbroken, Mason married Ashley instead, a last-minute substitute.

Just a week ago, Georgina returned. And in no time, she had Mason under her spell again.

To drive Ashley out of the Bennett Family for good, they even leaked her private photos online, stirring up a public frenzy.

That day, Ashley overheard a conversation between Mason and his friend.

“Mason, Ashley treats you so well. You’re really heartless.”

“I can’t bring up divorce myself. Neither family would allow it. But now that Georgina’s back, I want to give her everything. The only way is to let Ashley take the blame for damaging the family’s reputation.”

“But you’ve been married so long. Do you really not care about her at all?”

“Ashley has always listened to me, taken care of me, supported me at work. I’m a little attached, I guess. But she’s just a substitute for Georgina.”

Outside the door, Ashley stood frozen, tears spilling down her face.

She had once believed that if she loved Mason enough if she gave everything and stayed by his side, one day he’d finally look at her and love her too.

But now, she knew, she was done.

She pulled out her phone and dialed the number she had never thought she’d use: Chase Evans.

“I’ve divorced your nephew. Is your offer still open? I want to see Mason fall.”

“One month from now. City Hall. I’ll be waiting.”

The next day at work, Ashley packed away the many unused items in her office. Once, she had imagined spending her entire life by Mason’s side, treating this place like a second home.

But that dream had come to an end.

“Why is the office so empty?”

Mason’s voice sounded behind her, catching her off guard.

Ashley’s body tensed for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. When she saw Georgina standing beside him, her expression returned to calm.

“The office was too cluttered. I’m just tidying up.”

Mason nodded, not sensing anything off.

“Looks much cleaner now.”

His eyes landed on the certificates and trophies inside one of the boxes and his brows drew together.

“You’re even packing up the awards you earned here? Why?”

Ashley gave a quiet, self-mocking smile. “I won’t be needing them anymore.”

Mason felt a flicker of discomfort. Ashley had been with him since graduation and she’d always taken pride in those accomplishments. Now, she was giving them up like they meant nothing.

Georgina stepped forward, taking Ashley’s hand with a bright smile.

“My little sister has always been a great help to Mason at work. I’ll need to learn a lot from you.”

Ashley froze, unsure what Georgina meant.

The next second, Mason spoke, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

“Georgina wants to come to the company to learn. Your office is spacious and has a nice view. It’s perfect for two people.”

“Okay. I’ll pack up my things and make room for my sister.”

Ashley didn’t hesitate or show any displeasure. After all, she would be leaving soon.

Sensing that her attitude was different from usual, Mason instinctively wanted to say more, but Georgina cut in.

“Thank you, little sister. Now we’ll get to see each other often.”

Ashley remained silent, expressionless, continuing to pack.

Georgina’s smile faltered slightly. Then, while Mason wasn’t looking, she deliberately knocked over the cup on the desk. Hot water spilled out, shards of glass scattering.

The cup was engraved with both Ashley’s and Mason’s names, a wedding anniversary gift she had begged him for.

Ashley knew it was intentional. But unlike before, she didn’t react. No anger. No complaint.

Mason rushed over to Georgina, his focus entirely on her. He checked her carefully, concern written all over his face.

Nestled in his arms, Georgina looked pitiful. “I didn’t mean to. My sister won’t blame me, right?”

Ashley gave a slight shake of her head.

A flicker of surprise crossed Georgina’s eyes, but she quickly masked it with a bright smile. “My sister is so understanding. Are you hurt?”

“She definitely won’t blame you. As long as you’re not hurt, that’s all that matters.”

Mason didn’t spare Ashley a single glance. He took Georgina’s hand and hurried out. “Let’s go. The concert you’ve been dying to see is about to start.”

After they left, Ashley crouched down. A bloody gash on her ankle stood out sharply, glass shards still lodged in the wound as blood continued to seep out.

She gritted her teeth against the pain, pushed herself up and leaned against the wall for support as she limped toward the hospital to get treated.

If that injury had been on Georgina, Mason probably would’ve been devastated.

Ashley had long since grown used to everyone placing Georgina on a pedestal while treating her like she was invisible.

At the hospital.

“If that shard had gone any deeper, it would’ve been much harder to remove. Where’s your family?”

The intense pain had drained all color from Ashley’s face. Her lips, pressed tightly together, had turned pale.

“I have no family.”

The doctor froze for a second, then resumed treating her wound with more care, gently reminding her to rest and avoid walking too much.

As soon as she stepped out of the hospital, Ashley got a call from Mason.

“Where did you go? Why aren’t you at the office during work hours?”

“I was at….”

Before she could say “hospital,” Mason cut her off.

“Georgina’s having cramps. Come to the concert hall and drive us to the hospital.”

“But I…”

“Georgina’s pain is really bad. I had a drink today and can’t drive. You better be here in ten minutes.”

Ashley swallowed the rest of her words. Listening to the busy tone, she stood silently, lips pressed tight.

When she finally arrived, limping, her ankle still burning with pain, Georgina was curled up in Mason’s arms. He was gently rubbing her abdomen.

The tenderness on his face was something Ashley had never once received. She thought her heart had already gone numb, but sharp pain still cut through it. She bit back her tears.

Mason looked up and saw her. The softness in his expression disappeared instantly. With a glance, he signaled for her to get in the car without noticing her limp at all.

As Ashley climbed into the SUV, the sharp pain surged again, making her gasp. She felt the wound on her ankle tear open, warm blood seeping out.

“Hurry up. Georgina’s been in pain for a while now.”

Mason frowned, clearly annoyed by how slowly she was moving, a rare show of impatience.

Georgina added lightly, “It’s such a small thing. Why’d you even bother asking a little sister to drive?”

Mason responded coldly, “What, my secretary can’t even handle something this basic?”

At the wheel, Ashley’s focus faltered. She didn’t see the truck barreling toward them.

By the time she realized it, her injured ankle made it impossible to hit the brake fast enough. She could only jerk the wheel, narrowly avoiding the truck, but the SUV crashed violently into the landscaped divider.

The glass exploded across the cabin. Cuts opened on Ashley’s face and hands. Her body was wedged into the seat, too stiff and weak to move.

She cried out, “Mason, my leg is stuck. I can’t move.”

But all she heard was Mason’s voice, soft and reassuring for Georgina.

“Georgina, don’t be scared. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Through the rearview mirror, Ashley saw him cradle Georgina carefully in his arms.

He opened the door and gently lifted her out. Just as he turned toward the driver’s side, Georgina clung to his arm.

Tears in her voice, she whimpered, “Mason, my stomach hurts even more. Don’t leave me.”

Mason glanced once in Ashley’s direction, hesitation flickering across his face, but in the end, he turned away. Lifting Georgina into his arms, he said, “I’ll take Georgina to the hospital first. Wait for me.”

Watching his figure disappear into the distance, Ashley felt her heart turn colder. She quietly dialed for an ambulance.

By the time she was rescued, her legs were bruised and swollen. The extended loss of blood flow had left her unable to move them.

Inside the treatment room, several nurses chatted as they cleaned and bandaged her wounds.

“That was President Bennett earlier, wasn’t it? He treats his wife so well, so gentle and caring. And he’s so handsome too!”

“Right? How can someone be that rich, loyal and attractive? His wife is really lucky.”

“I heard he was hurt in the accident but didn’t let anyone treat him. He brought his wife in first.”

“And she didn’t even get hurt, just some cramps. But he still booked an entire floor just for her.”

One nurse finally noticed Ashley and gave her a curious look. “Were you in the same car as Mr. Bennett? Who are you?”

Looking down at her freshly bandaged legs, Ashley slowly wheeled herself forward and replied coldly, “I’m the Mrs. Bennett you’re all talking about.”